By Jimoh Babatunde

The 2025 Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) in Abuja brought renewed momentum to calls for Nigeria to reposition tourism as a major pillar of national development, with key industry figures urging government commitment, improved infrastructure, and stronger public-private collaboration.

FTAN President, Dr. Aliyu Badaki, set the tone, describing NTIFE as “a symbol of Nigeria’s readiness for a bold new future,” insisting that tourism must become a strategic contributor to economic growth. He highlighted FTAN’s successful participation in the review of the National Tourism Policy and a new Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Ministry, NTDA and the National Gallery of Art to strengthen joint planning, marketing, and destination development.

Badaki said the federation’s Tourism Transformation Mandate—developed during a post-election retreat—is now shaping FTAN’s engagements with government agencies, states and foreign missions. These efforts, he noted, are aimed at unlocking investment opportunities in hospitality, ecotourism, festivals, cultural assets and travel technology.

A major highlight of the event was the dramatic return of former NCAC DG, Otunba Segun Runsewe, making his first major appearance in Abuja since his 2024 removal. His insightful presentation on Africa’s tourism performance drew loud applause, and his warm exchange with Minister Hannatu Musawa sparked a standing ovation. The Minister later publicly acknowledged his “indelible contributions,” promising to explore his recommendations for sector reform.

In his keynote, TVC’s Head of Current Affairs, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, delivered a sobering assessment, warning that Nigeria’s tourism potential remains hampered by insecurity, poor infrastructure, weak site management and inconsistent policies. He noted that Nigeria attracted about 1.2 million international visitors in 2023, far below South Africa and Kenya.

However, he observed rising domestic tourism and praised successful public-private partnerships such as the revamped Ikogosi Warm Springs and the ongoing redevelopment of Obudu Mountain Resort.

Minister Musawa reaffirmed government’s goal of building a $100 billion tourism and creative economy by 2030, saying the Ministry is pursuing MoUs with states and private organisations to develop cultural hubs, heritage sites, resorts and entertainment infrastructure. She urged investors to partner with the government, insisting that “Nigeria has the diversity, creativity and human capital to become a global destination.”

With renewed collaboration and heightened investor interest, stakeholders agree that NTIFE 2025 marks a critical step in Nigeria’s push to unlock its long-underutilised tourism value.